Think of this autumn-inspired ingredient list as a guide. Whether you choose to follow it exactly or go a little off-script, your charcuterie is sure to please.
THE CHEESES:
Parmigiano reggiano
Aged Irish white cheddar
Aged Wisconsin orange cheddar
Gorgonzola Brie log
Manchego with paprika
THE CRACKERS AND BREAD:
Grissini breadsticks
Sea salt crackers
Raincoast rosemary raisin pecan crisps
Sliced French baguette
THE FRUIT:
Pomegranates
Bosc pears
Honey-crisp apples
Concord grapes
Decorative gourds
THE CHARCUTERIE:
Herb-crusted salami
Candied bacon
THE CONDIMENTS:
Smoky Chipotle Pumpkin Hummus
Bourbon Apple Butter
THE NUTS & SEEDS:
Roasted almonds
Roasted and salted pumpkin seeds
FOR THE CANDIED BACON:
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon rice vinegar 8 ounces bacon
FOR THE BOURBON APPLE BUTTER:
8 medium-sized mixed apples, cored and chopped into chunks, skin left on
1/2 cup bourbon
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice blend
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE CANDIED BACON: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a small bowl, combine the sugar, maple syrup, and rice vinegar. Set aside. Place bacon slices on a large baking sheet. Bake for 12 minutes, turning halfway through. Remove the bacon from the oven and brush both sides generously with the brown sugar mixture. Return the bacon to the oven and bake another 5 minutes. Brush with the sugar mixture every 5 minutes until bacon is caramelized and crisp, about 30 minutes. Immediately remove the bacon from the tray and set on a rack to cool.
FOR THE BOURBON APPLE BUTTER: In a heavy-bottomed pot, combine the apples, bourbon, and light brown sugar. Bring to a boil, then turn down to a low heat. Cover and simmer for an hour, stirring every 10 minutes or so to make sure the apples don’t burn. Remove the lid and blend using a stick blender until smooth. Mix in the pumpkin pie spice blend, lemon juice and vanilla extract. Continue to cook down, stirring often, until thick and browned, about 1 hour. Blend again, if necessary. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
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